Optimal Finance Daily – Episode 3358

"What is Your Retirement Manifesto?" by Kathleen Coxwell of NewRetirement.com

Host: Diania Merriam
Published: November 19, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode, narrated by Diania Merriam, explores the concept of a "retirement manifesto" as proposed by Kathleen Coxwell. Rather than viewing retirement as simply the cessation of work, the episode encourages listeners to approach retirement as an opportunity to define personal values, goals, and identity for this next phase of life. Diania and Kathleen break down actionable steps for crafting a manifesto, linking personal purpose to retirement planning, and underscore the importance of meaning and active creation in retirement.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. What is a Retirement Manifesto?

• Definition: A manifesto is a declaration of intentions and motivations.
  • "Most big life events involve some kind of manifesto. Whether you call it that or not, contracts, wedding vows and employment agreements are all declarations of your intent."
    (Kathleen Coxwell, 01:09)
• Retirement’s Unique Potential: Retirement provides the freedom to define yourself outside of your career.
  • "In retirement, you're not defined by the work you do for money. This is your time to be defined by you."
    (Kathleen Coxwell, 01:38)

2. Steps for Creating a Retirement Manifesto

(Kathleen Coxwell outlines a step-by-step approach, [01:30–06:45])

• a. Write Down Your Beliefs ([02:02])

  • Consider anything from your core values to simple pleasures.
  • "Write down one thing or write down a hundred. It doesn't matter. Just document your beliefs."
    (Kathleen Coxwell, 02:17)

• b. List What You Want for the World ([02:29])

  • Envision global or local change: world peace, more literacy, fewer potholes, etc.
  • Document ideas on how you might contribute.

• c. Document Personal Truths ([03:03])

  • Reflect on life lessons, repeated mantras, or wisdom passed to others.

• d. Review Your Use of Time ([03:45])

  • Log how you spent last week, what brought joy, and what you’d prefer to minimize.

• e. Craft Your Personal "Bumper Sticker" ([04:17])

  • Condense your values or goals into a phrase, tagline, or quote.
  • Examples: “Just dance,” “Gone fishing,” “No music, no life.”

• f. Identify Roadblocks ([05:05])

  • Consider obstacles—bureaucracy, fear of failure, shyness—and brainstorm ways to overcome them.

• g. Write Your Manifesto Statement ([05:56])

  • Assemble your brainstorms into a succinct, positive statement. Use “power words.”

• h. Daily Review ([06:21])

  • Revisit your manifesto regularly—sticky note, digital reminder—to live in alignment with it.

• i. Integrate Into Retirement Planning ([06:48])

  • Pair your manifesto with a detailed financial plan for a more meaningful, secure retirement.

3. The Link Between Purpose and Financial Planning

• Having both a financial plan and a manifesto yields a stronger, more focused retirement.
  • “People with a retirement plan are more confident, happier and successful in retirement. For some people, it's the financial plan that's easier. Others might have an easier time creating their own retirement manifesto. Doing both will probably give you a stronger, more secure, focused and happier retirement overall.”
    (Kathleen Coxwell, 07:40)

4. Diania Merriam’s Commentary on Meaning in Retirement

• Many are excited to retire "from" work, but it's crucial to retire "to" something—some deeper sense of purpose.
  • "I've learned from the fire community that it's much more important to think about retiring to something."
    (Diania Merriam, 09:27)
• Mental Stimulation & Fulfillment: Avoid passive routines; instead, engage in activities that challenge and fulfill you.
  • "It's really easy to fall into the habitual ways you used to spend your free time when you were working, where the goal was to decompress... Restorative rest can look more active, like going for a walk, cooking a delicious meal, or growing an impressive garden." (Diania Merriam, 10:19)

5. Finding Purpose Through Action

• Do what drives your passion or addresses what upsets you about the world.
  • “One economy attendee suggested that you think about what really p—s you off and go do something about it. For her, she was angry about all the mistreated and neglected animals in the world, so now she spends most of her time volunteering to help fix that.” (Diania Merriam, 09:52)
• Active Creation: Fulfillment in retirement comes from creating, not just consuming.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Self-Definition in Retirement:
  "Retirement is your time. Your time to be who you want to be. You may be hampered by finances, but your time and beliefs are your own."
  (Kathleen Coxwell, 01:19)

• On Personal Accountability:
  "Writing a manifesto can be a great way of thinking about what you want out of your life and a way of holding yourself accountable for being who you want to be."
  (Kathleen Coxwell, 01:52)

• On Trivial to Profound Beliefs:
  "You believe in reading, cupcakes or even smiling at strangers. Write down one thing or write down a hundred. It doesn't matter."
  (Kathleen Coxwell, 02:16)

• On Fulfillment through Action:
  "Whether you're retired or not, actively creating tends to be much more fulfilling than passively consuming."
  (Diania Merriam, 10:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:09—Introduction to the concept of a manifesto and why it matters in retirement
• 02:02–06:45—Step-by-step guidance to create your retirement manifesto
• 06:45—How your manifesto strengthens your retirement plan
• 07:40—Research insights: retirement planning increases happiness/confidence
• 09:27—Diania’s commentary on retiring "to" something; stories from the FIRE community
• 10:19–10:45—Fulfillment, mental stimulation, and the difference between active and passive rest

Key Takeaways

• Retirement is an opportunity to redefine yourself, establish new intentions, and pursue what matters most.
• Writing a retirement manifesto is a practical tool for aligning your daily life with your values and vision.
• Pairing your manifesto with a solid financial plan can greatly enhance your satisfaction and security in retirement.
• Prioritize active creation and meaningful engagement, both before and after retirement.

For more steps and tools on retirement planning, visit NewRetirement.com.